Determination of Tensile Strength of Soils by Unconfined-Penetration Test

This paper describes the factors affecting the test procedures and methods for preparation of test specimens for determination of tensile strength of soils by unconfined-penetration (UP) method. Correlation of tensile strength with other soil constants and strength parameters, such as Atterberg limits, activity, toughness index, unconfined compressive strength, cohesion, and friction angle, are presented. Theoretical explanations of this method and the conventional split-tension test by use of the limit analysis concept are discussed.